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Want to see what it’s like to be hacked? Stay with Windows XP after April 8th.

I know. I know. This is the second headstone image I’ve used in my blog but there really is a reason. On April 8th, Windows XP support goes away. What does that mean? It means that if you have that as your operating system, and many seniors do, Microsoft will no longer send out those pesky but necessary security patches. Those patches were fixes to security holes that hackers found that enable them to get into your computer and plant viruses and such. If you want to get a migraine you can read this for details: /www.davescomputertips.com/windows-xp-only-31-more-sleeps-to-go/
Your other option is to just take my word for it.

So what to do now you might be thinking? Here are your options:

1. DO NOT use your XP machine on the Internet anymore. It will make a great word processor however!

2. Give up using a PC all together. See how that works for you. I’m being factious of course.

3. Upgrade to Windows 7. Have fun with that process! It’s not for the faint of heart.

4. Purchase a new PC but know that it will come with Windows 8 or 8.1 operating system. Most seniors hate it. It’s not a bad operating system but we have to figure out how to navigate the darned thing. Since around 1998 Windows (yes Windows version 98) had a start button that you clicked and could get where you wanted to go. That has gone away. Microsoft apparently didn’t ask us seniors what we thought about the new design. Perhaps they figured we would not be around long enough to be a big part of their customer base.. just sayin.

I want to expand on #4 a little. Microsoft has a “compatibility tool” that you can download which will tell you what devices will/won’t work with Windows 8. An example would be your printer. Older printers won’t work with Windows 8 which means you’ll be spending a little more money to get one that will work with it. Some of your older software won’t be compatible either. Microsoft Office 2003 is an example. You need to think about how you will transfer all of your old documents and pictures over to your new machine. There are several ways to do it.

My suggestion is for folks who still have XP is to seek out someone with a little know-how and help you with this upgrade. It will be a lot less frustrating for you, trust me. Good luck. You can send me an email and I’ll be happy to provide you with some guidance.

About David Winslow

I'm a life long member of the greater Bangor Community. My journey includes 26 years in the USAF, retiring in 1994. I am a graduate of Husson University (class of '73') where I obtained a four year degree in Business Administration. I've been a caregiver for my mother, worked in law enforcement, private security, volunteered in the community and now have a small computer repair business. I live in Brewer with my two dogs, Zoe and Dani.

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David Winslow

I'm a life long member of the greater Bangor Community. My journey includes 26 years in the USAF, retiring in 1994. I am a graduate of Husson University (class of '73') where I obtained a four year degree in Business Administration. I've been a caregiver for my mother, worked in law enforcement, private security, volunteered in the community and now have a small computer repair business. I live in Brewer with my two dogs, Zoe and Dani.